Martin Jol on the touchline during the Uefa Cup match against Getafe at White Hart Lane. Photograph: Ady Kerry/EPA

Martin Jol and Tottenham Hotspur's torturous divorce was finally confirmed last night when the Dutchman was sacked before overseeing the Uefa Cup defeat by Getafe. He is to be replaced by Juande Ramos, courted by the Spurs board so brazenly in August, with the Premier League club hopeful that the Sevilla coach can be unveiled as early as next week.

Jol's near three-year reign had seen two fifth-placed finishes along with their worst start to a domestic campaign for 19 years - Spurs languish third-bottom in the Premier League - and the chairman Daniel Levy's clear belief that the Dutchman was no longer the man to lead Tottenham into the Champions League had undermined his position. Jol's first-team coach, Chris Hughton, has also been dimissed.

"For me, Martin and Chris's departure is regrettable," said Levy. "Our greatest wish was to see results turn in our favour and for there to be no need for change. We feel honoured that Martin has been manager at our club, having seen us qualify twice for Europe."

The then Spurs vice-chairman, Paul Kemsley, and club secretary, John Alexander, had been photographed meeting Ramos in Spain in August and, although Levy later climbed down over his appointment, Jol has been on borrowed time.

"I can understand the position of the club in light of the results," said the Dutchman, who took charge against Getafe despite knowing his reign was over. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. Tottenham Hotspur is a special club and I want to thank the terrific staff and players. For me, the fans were always amazing with their support, so I would also like to say thank you. I shall never forget them."

Meek defeat to Newcastle on Monday served to force the Tottenham hierarchy's hands. Spurs representatives contacted Ramos again this week having decided that they could not risk a wasted season and the possibility of a rival Premier League club coming in for the Sevilla coach. Ramos, who had indicated he remained keen to join at a future date despite Levy's back-track over sacking Jol in August, immediately set about securing his departure from Sevilla. He will be assisted by the former Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder Gus Poyet, currently Dennis Wise's assistant at Leeds.

The Spanish club's sporting director Ramón Rodríguez Verdejo - "Monchi" - was last night in London trying to strike a deal to make it appear that Ramos's departure had been a mutual decision between the coach, the Sevilla president, Jóse María Del Nido, and Tottenham. Yet, while it seems inevitable that the Spaniard will be in situ at White Hart Lane imminently, Del Nido drives a notoriously hard bargain. Ramos has been offered a 4½ year deal understood to be worth around £3.8m a year.

Jol met with Levy prior to kick-off last night with his position effectively rendered untenable given the board's lack of faith in his ability. He will depart with a pay-off approaching £4m given that he had almost two years to run on his contract.

He only confirmed to his players that he and Hughton were leaving in the dressing room after last night's defeat, and Clive Allen will be taking training today as preparations begin for Sunday's game against Blackburn. Confirmation of Jol's departure drifted through to the Tottenham support during the second half last night, the fans standing to pay tribute in a clear indication of affection. They were less complimentary towards the chairman, chanting abuse at Levy at one stage, before the boos rang out at the final whistle.